In today’s data-driven world, effective storage solutions are essential for business success. Whether you're managing large media libraries, securing sensitive files, or enabling remote collaboration, a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system offers a versatile and reliable platform. Synology, a leading provider of NAS solutions, offers a diverse range of devices tailored to business needs of all sizes.

Begin by identifying the nature and volume of data your business generates. This step will help determine how much storage, performance, and expandability you'll require.

• Office Workloads and General Storage: For basic file sharing, backups, and document storage, models like the Synology DS223 or DS725+ provide sufficient capacity and functionality, with the latter offering upgrade options for SSD caching and network expansion.

• Creative Workflows and Media Storage: Businesses handling high-resolution images or video editing will benefit from models such as the DS1823xs+, which features 10GbE support, high-capacity drive bays, and powerful processors suitable for real-time media access.

• Virtualization and High Availability: Larger enterprises or IT-focused teams may require the power and redundancy of rackmount models like the RS3621xs+ or SA6400, which support advanced virtualization platforms and high-availability clusters.

Performance is key when multiple users or resource-intensive applications are accessing your NAS.

• SSD Caching: Models like the DS925+ include M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching, significantly accelerating frequently accessed data.

• Advanced Connectivity: Select units such as the DS1621+ or RS1221+ offer PCIe slots, allowing upgrades to 10GbE or additional SSD cache cards.

• Robust Processing Power: Synology NAS units powered by AMD Ryzen or Intel Xeon processors deliver fast file transfers, smooth multitasking, and support for demanding applications.

Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) is a key differentiator, offering a wide array of business-centric applications:

• Active Backup for Business: Protect workstations, servers, and virtual machines without additional software costs.

• Synology Drive: Create your own private cloud with file syncing, version control, and remote collaboration, similar to Dropbox or Google Drive.

• Surveillance Station: Turn your NAS into a centralised video surveillance hub, with support for hundreds of IP camera models and smart analytics.

Your NAS will only perform as well as your network allows.

• Wired Connections: Always connect via Ethernet, and if possible, use models with support for Link Aggregation or 2.5/10GbE for optimal throughput.

• Switch Compatibility: Pair your NAS with managed switches that support VLANs, QoS, and high-speed LAN aggregation for future-proof infrastructure.

• Secure Remote Access: Synology’s QuickConnect, VPN, and two-factor authentication features offer flexible and secure ways to access your NAS from anywhere.

Business data needs are rarely static. Invest in a solution that can scale with your company.

• Drive Expansion: Many Synology models, like the DS1825+, support add-on expansion units such as the DX525, allowing storage to grow as needed.

• Flexible RAID Options: Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) simplifies setup and provides redundancy even with mixed drive sizes.

• Cloud Integration: Use Synology C2 Backup and C2 Storage to create hybrid environments for added redundancy and offsite backup.